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Religion and non religion - Coggle Diagram
Religion and non religion
The religious dimension
Animism
Belief that a soul or spirit exists in every object (even if its inanimate)
Humans are part of nature rather than superior to it
Respect animals and plants
E.g. Shintoism
Polytheism
Belief in multiple Gods or deities
Many of these religion believe that Gods/Godesses have control of specific aspects of the universe
Gods/deities resemble humans (have personalities and can interact with each other)
E.g. Hellenism (ancient Greek) or Hinduism (has hundreds of millions of deities)
Monotheism
Belief in one omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient God (all present, knowing and powerful)
All other Gods are false
The Divine being created the universe and gives humans a moral compass
God revealed itself on Earth (in all 3 religions) which gives humans purpose - revealed through sacred texts
Meaning and purpose
Sacred texts outline creation stories
Each religion celebrates important stages
Religion creates cultural identity and a sense of belonging
Religion can answer the 3 big questions of: where do we come from? whyy are we here? and where are we going?
Social cohesion
Religions provide a sense of community and gives stability in life
Gives people a common purpose
Religion can also lead to social disharmony (opposite of cohesion) when people spread their religious views creating hostile tension
Social transformation
Religion can influence the rate of progress in society
Social justice
Religion help with poverty, environmental destruction, natural disasters and conflict
e.g. Caritas
Education
Religion rejecting scientists work (delaying progress)
Religion has acted as a means for change by helping the less fortunate, but has prevented change by maintaining traditional views
New religious expressions
Personal fulfillment
New religious expressions are easy and simple ways be become happier
Don't need to commit yourself to a traditional religion
Relaxation
People want to take a break and stay calm
More fulfilling life
Eliminate stress, bring peace
Personalisation
May feel like religions are designed for large groups
Ethical guidelines
Outdated and unclear
Too strict
No longer relevant
Don't apply to modern issues
Lack clarity or stance on modern things like climate change
Clarify relationship with society
Most people don't fit into traditional religions
New religious expressions creating good relationships with society without having to follow all the ethics of a traditional religion (can make it suit them)
Trend of individualism
Don't rely on religious practices to stay connected with society
Independent rather than under the Church
Global distribution
Christianity
Top countries = USA, Brazil, Mexico, China
32%
Based on Jesus' death and resurrection, spread by Saint Paul and the Apostles
Steady decline in Western world
Islam
23%
Top countries = Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh
Founded by Muhammad in Medina, spread by the 4 rightly guided caliphs
After WW2 many Mulsims now live in the UK and USA
One of the fastest growing religions
Hinduism
15%
Top countries = India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Born in India, is a combination of philosophies and beliefs
Goal is not to spread the religion so it has mainly stayed in and around India
Buddhism
7%
Top countries = China, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar
Founded by Siddartha Gautaman, BCE, it branches off Hinduism
Mainly in East Asia
Judaism
0.2%
Top countries = USA, Israel, France, Canada
Began with the covenant between Abraham and God, mainly in the Middle East
Holocaust significantly reduced the Jewish population, fear of persecution prompted migration to USA